KDL | Tallygaroopna books grand final ticket to face Dookie United

The Thunder return to the place of 2019 despair.

Tallygaroopna booked the first ticket into the decider following its stunning win in the first preliminary final on Saturday.

The Redlegs delivered a giant blow as they handed Shepparton East a 37-29 defeat — the Eagles’ first loss of the 2022 campaign.

In front of a large crowd at Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve, Tallygaroopna roared out of the blocks early thanks to dead-eye shooting from Mel Kittlety.

Back from injury, Kittlety scored 20 of Tally’s 23 goals in the first half as they built up a match-winning 23-14 lead.

It was a performance that saw her walk away with best-on honours.

At the other end, dynamic duo Rebecca Brett and Bree Giles were at their best as they stifled East’s attacks.

Claudia Callagher was again instrumental while playing coach Fiona Down led from the front in what could only be described as an inspirational leader performance.

“I’m just super proud of the team, that was such a tough match,” Down said.

“Shepparton East are a quality side, they’ve been top of the table all year ... it literally felt like a grand final out there today.

“We were ready for it, we knew we had to work hard and be on from the start.

“Credit to the girls, all 10 players, whether they were on the court or not.

“It was an awesome team effort.

“We’re all connecting really well, when someone comes off we have got someone ready to go.”

Down spoke highly of Kittlety post-match and highlighted how glad she was to welcome the star shooter back into the line-up.

“It’s been good to have Mel back, she’s been out with a little injury the last few weeks,” she said.

“She took to the court last week and we were a bit worried, but no she was ready to play and it was really good to have her back.”

Meanwhile, a rollicking opening term helped deliver Dookie United its second-straight appearance in the KDL A-grade decider.

United blew Nagambie out of the water with a 16 to seven opening quarter.

Playing co-coach Maddison Owen was a standout, alongside Gemma O’Sullivan, while Hayley Symonds enjoyed a stellar match through the midcourt.